Dhaka: A van driver was hacked to death following an alleged long-standing dispute in Bakerganj upazila of Barishal on Thursday night. The deceased was identified as Sumon Sikdar, 38, son of late Adam Ali Sikdar of Kalerkathi village under Kabai union. Officer-in-Charge (OC) of Bakerganj Police Station Adil Hossain stated that the incident took place around 8pm in the village.
According to United News of Bangladesh, the victim's mother, Monwara Begum, recounted that an argument and scuffle erupted between Sumon and local Jubo Dal activist, Regan Howlader, in front of their house over previous enmity. During the altercation, Regan, accompanied by Mona Talukdar and 8-10 others, allegedly assaulted Sumon with sharp weapons, leaving him critically injured.
The attackers purportedly threw Sumon into a nearby pond, presuming him to be dead, before fleeing the scene, Monwara Begum added. Upon receiving information, police arrived at the location, rescued Sumon from the pond, and transported him to Bakerganj Upazila Health Complex, where an on-duty doctor pronounced him dead.
Sumon's son, Tanvir Sikdar, alleged that his father had a long-standing dispute with retired police officer Mona Talukdar over a family issue, which might have precipitated the killing. OC Adil Hossain confirmed that police are investigating the incident and making efforts to apprehend those involved.